Important Cultural Property of Wakayama

A Kamakura-period Dainichi Nyorai in the main hall of Sainan-in, a Mount Kōya sub-temple guarding the southwestern gate and famed for its Shigemori rock garden.

A Heian-period Dainichi Nyorai at Shakamon-in, a Kōyasan lodging by the Danjō Garan. Its 1908 listing is the earliest among the mountain's Dainichi images.

A colossal jōroku triad at Negoro-ji: a Diamond World Dainichi flanked by Kongōsatta and Sonshō Butchō, the only surviving example of a composition devised by Kakuban.

A Kamakura-period wooden Tamonten at Henjoko-in on Mount Koya, an armored guardian of the north holding a pagoda and halberd above a subdued demon underfoot.

Two Muromachi portable shrines at World Heritage Niutsuhime Jinja, with phoenix roofs and black-lacquered bodies in gold brocade, used in the medieval Hamaori rite.

A Heian-period Tobatsu Bishamonten at Ryuko-in on Mount Koya, standing on the palms of the earth goddess in Central Asian armor, after the famous To-ji prototype.

A Heian Tobatsu Bishamonten at Shinno-in, founded by Prince Shinnyo, who set out for India and died en route, standing on the earth goddess in foreign-style armor.

A Heian-period six-armed Nyoirin Kannon at Nyoirinji on Mount Koya, a cheek resting on one hand in thought. Now held by the Reihokan and shown in rotating displays.

Dōjō-ji, Wakayama's oldest temple, holds two early-Heian wooden Bishamonten guardians, Important Cultural Properties since 1899; the larger is often loaned to Tokyo.

A Kamakura-period statue of Fudō Myōō on Mount Kōya, the 'United Fudō,' owned by Kongōbu-ji and made an Important Cultural Property in 1925, now at the Reihōkan.

This late Heian wooden statue of Fudō Myōō, the Sail Fudō, belongs to Kongō Sanmai-in, the Mt. Koya temple Hōjō Masako founded in 1211 to mourn Minamoto no Yoritomo.

Discover the Shihon Hakubyō Fudō Myōō Nidōji Bishamonten Zuzō, a Nationally Important Cultural Property of Japan housed at Entsū-ji Temple on Mount Kōya in Wakayama Prefecture. This rare esoteric Buddhist iconographic drawing on paper depicts Fudō Myōō with two attendant boys and the guardian deity Bishamonten, executed in the refined hakubyō (white-line) ink technique. Learn about its iconographic significance, the history of its closed training-temple home, and how to experience the world of Mount Kōya — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Discover the Important Cultural Property held at Jizo-in temple on sacred Mt. Koya in Wakayama Prefecture. This illustrated handscroll narrates the life of Kobo Daishi Kukai, founder of Shingon Buddhism, with the supplementary first volume reflecting twelve centuries of devotion. We guide you through its significance, the Reihokan museum where treasures are exhibited, and the wonders of UNESCO-listed Mt. Koya.

A portrait sculpture of Hotto Kokushi, founder of Kokokuji in Yura, dated 1286. A realistic Kamakura chinso kept as a temple treasure, not on permanent view.

Two Heian-period figures at Kimiidera, second temple of the Saigoku route. Called Brahma and Indra but in bodhisattva form. On view in the Daikomyoden since 2023.

A Kamakura sea-crossing Monju group at Henmyoin on Mount Koya: the lion-mounted bodhisattva with four attendants. Held by the Reihokan, shown in rotating displays.

A Kamakura standing Jikokuten at Henjokoin on Mount Koya, guardian of the east, an armoured warrior on a demon. Held by the Reihokan, shown in rotating displays.

In 1987 a ruined eighth-century Kannon emerged from inside Dōjō-ji's secret statue. Faceless yet ancient, this wood-core figure may date to the temple's founding.

Dōjō-ji's North-Facing Kannon, shown once every 33 years, is a sheath carved in the Nanbokuchō era to enclose and protect an eighth-century image within.

Five seated Buddhas have sat inside Kōyasan's oldest building since 1223. Discover the Kamakura sculpture, the nun-shogun who raised the tower, and when it opens.